"Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases." --Hippocrates, 460-377 B.C. Numerous studies have shown the effects of major spinal nerve impingements. Some autopsy studies show correlation between spinal nerve impingement and severe organ/gland dysfunctions. Unfortunately, it does not take a severe disruption of the spine to create health-altering effects on the spinal nerves. In some cases, only a slight change is needed to alter the nerve signals.   Anatomy and physiology experts often debate the exact areas of innervation by the spinal nerves. Added to that, there are some normal variations between people. Such being the case, it is nearly impossible to say--with complete certainty--which spinal segment has the most complete effect of a nerve function. Just the same, there are commonly accepted concepts of which nerves supply certain areas and functions of the body. Those concepts are presented here:

Spinal Nerve Roots		Partial Listing of Areas Innervated
C1-C4		Eyes, Ears, Scalp, Tongue, Cheeks, Base of skull, Blood vessels within the head, Neck muscles, Diaphragm
C5-C8		Vocal cords, Neck glands, Thyroid gland, Neck muscles, Shoulders, Elbows, Arms, Wrists, Hands and Fingers, Esophagus, Heart, Lungs
T1-T4		Arms from the elbows downward, Esophagus, Heart, Lungs, Chest
T5-T10		Liver, Gallbladder, Stomach, Pancreas, Small intestine, Spleen, Appendix, Adrenal glands, Kidneys
T11		Kidneys, Ureters, Small intestine, Large intestine, Uterus
T12		Small intestine, Large intestine, Uterus, Buttocks, Lymph Circulation
L1-L5		Large intestines, Appendix, Abdomen, Bladder, Reproductive organs, Groin, Buttocks, Thighs, Knees, Legs, Ankles, Feet
Sacrum		Hips, Bladder, Reproductive Organs, Buttocks, Legs, Ankles, Feet and Toes

As one can see, the spinal nerves are key players throughout the entire body. Interferences in those nerves' functions can have two detrimental effects: Increasing or decreasing nerve signals from normal. In either case, the body's functions will be disrupted from normal and a certain state of disease or dis-ease will occur. This, naturally, is why chiropractors encourage patients to keep their spines monitored. We hope to prevent any disruption of normal nerve signals and aim for keeping every body functioning at its best.

©Copyright 2006 Dr. David L. Wick, D.C. All rights reserved.

This article is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of any illness. Diagnosis and treatment of all health conditions should only be performed by your doctor of chiropractic or other licensed health care professional. Please use this article for informational purposes only. This information does not replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare provider.